This week’s DJ LIFE Mobile Monday DJ spotlight, presented by QSC, shines on DJ Monica of Our DJ Rocks from Orlando, Florida.
DJ Monica is this week’s DJ LIFE Mobile Monday spotlight. Presented by QSC, Monica Thomson (DJ Monica) of Our DJ Rocks is based out of Orlando, Florida. Her path into DJing started early, gaining life exposure to live music through her father and the vibrant nightlife of Orlando. After spending years immersed in the Central Florida electronic scene, she eventually took the leap into DJing herself – buying turntables, collecting vinyl, and playing purely for the love of it for two decades.
What began as a long-running passion later became a full career shift, when she found a new direction through Our DJ Rocks, a female-owned, all-female DJ team that helped transform her musical background into a professional skillset through hands-on DJ and emcee training. Now, Monica thrives in the mobile DJ world, where every event brings a new setting, new crowd, and new story to help bring to life. From intimate celebrations to large-scale productions, she values the emotional energy that comes from milestone moments and the joy of watching a room light up when the right song hits.
When DJ LIFE spoke with Monica regarding all things mobile DJ, here’s how it went down…
DJ LIFE: How did you get started as a DJ?
DJ Monica: My dad plays guitar and was in bands my whole life, so I grew up watching him in clubs and gravitating to the dance floor. Orlando has a huge electronic music scene, and I spent my late teens and 20’s all over Central Florida seeing any DJ that came here. I got the urge, bought turntables from a friend and played vinyl as a hobby for 20 years. Fast forward to my 40s, and I found myself in a place like many others: doing a job I didn’t enjoy or find rewarding. After taking a year-long break to search for a new path, I came across Our DJ Rocks. A female owned & all female DJ team that saw my value from the beginning! They provided extensive DJ and emcee training that quickly turned my passion for people and music into a new, satisfying career. It’s been an amazing journey so far and I’m excited to see what the future holds!
DJ LIFE: What does being a mobile DJ mean to you?
DJ Monica: I feel fortunate celebrating all types of milestone events with people from all walks of life. Being in a room full of joy—whether at a corporate awards banquet, a holiday party, a surprise birthday or a wedding—is really something special. Nothing makes me happier than watching a dance floor full of friends screaming their favorite songs together!
DJ LIFE: Can you tell us about your current DJ setup?
DJ Monica: I use a Pioneer DDJ-FLX10 with the QSC KC12 speakers. It is the perfect sleek and compact setup to tuck into a corner of an intimate space or add to an elaborate setup in a convention center surrounded by movers and tube lights. This setup does it all: it sounds crystal clear and powerful while being convenient to transport.
DJ LIFE: What are some of the biggest pros and cons of being a mobile DJ?
DJ Monica: We have so many unique venues here that I would never have the chance to experience. Of course our area is full of resorts and theme parks, but I really love botanical gardens or barns with giant trees to have ceremonies under. The con is being a mobile DJ isn’t for the weak! It involves many late nights, missing special occasions with loved ones, and some aches and pains. Seeing a client’s vision come to life in these beautiful locations is quite magical and makes it all worth it!
DJ LIFE: Do you have any DJ-related pet peeves?
DJ Monica: People that care what others think and don’t get out on the dance floor! You won’t wake up the next day thinking, “I really had the worst time dancing with my coworkers last night!” Put those inhibitions away and enjoy yourselves!
DJ LIFE: How has being a DJ impacted your personal/family life?
DJ Monica: Becoming a DJ has made me stronger and more confident. It hasn’t been easy, but I take a lot of pride in how far I’ve come. I also have five nieces and want them all to see that girls can do anything and everything they want without limitations!
